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At Geisinger, you, and your family, are active participants in the development of a treatment plan. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Treatment, you might feel, is in the hands of medical professionals, leaving you with little control over your life and health. At Geisinger, you and your family are active participants in developing a treatment plan.  

A cancer diagnosis is the first step in determining treatment. The diagnosis will provide information about the size and location of the cancer and if it has spread. This information will decide the aggressiveness of the treatment plan.

The following links will help with your diagnosis:

Second Opinions

A diagnosis may bring disbelief or hesitation. Wanting a second opinion is natural. Seek a second opinion if you feel uncertain of the diagnosis. Your physician can refer you to experts who specialize in the cancer with which you’ve been diagnosed. Geisinger has a team of nearly 800 physicians – about 100 with cancer expertise.

Informing others

It is important not to keep cancer a secret from friends and family. They will provide much needed support as you begin treatment. Educate them about your disease so they understand what you face. The more they know, the better they can be at providing support. 

If you have children, you may be worried about how they will feel. It is important to be honest and tell them you have cancer. If you have questions about what information to tell your children, ask your physician for guidance. Geisinger has cancer-trained social workers who can help you talk with your children and loved ones about your diagnosis, treatment plan and important steps.

It is best to tell your children when you can provide a more complete a picture of what you will experience. They will better understand if you can provide answers to their questions. For younger children, it is important to tell them that cancer is not contagious because they may be concerned that they, too, will get cancer. Be optimistic. This will reassure your child.

Support and resources

Being optimistic may be a challenge. It is important to talk to others who are living with or have beat cancer. Geisinger Cancer Services offers support groups close to where you live. Click here for date and location information. Support groups are open to all, regardless of whether you are a Geisinger patient. Loved ones and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

Changes to your appearance may be a concern. Geisinger partners with the American Cancer Society and local companies to provide cancer patient programs and services. Nurses and staff members can help you find cosmetics, wigs, prosthetics and other products to improve your appearance while in treatment.

Finances

A cancer diagnosis can be a financial burden. Because you need to focus energy on getting healthy, Geisinger Cancer Services supports you in seeking financial assistance, medicine coverage, housing or food support. If you need assistance, talk to your doctor who can refer you to a social worker.

Ask questions

Cancer does not appear overnight and will not be treated overnight. You have time to research your cancer diagnosis in the Geisinger Community Health Library, which provides information on types of cancer, treatments and studies. This information allows you to participate in discussions with your Geisinger team of physicians to determine the best treatment. Talk openly with your physician. Ask questions.

Questions you may want to ask your physician:

  • What tests or procedures will I need?
  • When will we know my prognosis?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What are side-effects of treatments?
  • How long will treatment last? When will it start?
  • Where and how often will treatment occur?
  • Will clinical trials benefit me?
  • Can I keep working?
  • Will my appearance change?

Geisinger Cancer Services works with each patient to understand medical recommendations and treatment options. Use a binder to compile treatment information and keep resources such as instructional materials, medication information and treatment schedules. You will compile a large amount of information and a binder helps to keep it organized and it is a resource for those supporting you through cancer treatment.